'Winter of Action' will tackle offending that wreaks havoc on our high streets - Mahmood

The Government will launch a 'winter of action' scheme in a bid to tackle shoplifting, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said.

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It follows the summer crackdown that ended this week, when hundreds of 500 towns signed up to the Home Office's safer streets summer initiative.

She told the Labour Party conference of her personal experience of shoplifting while working behind the till of her family's corner shop as a child as she launched the scheme.

As part of her address to delegates in Liverpool, she said: "This year, forces across the country led a Summer of Action, tackling street-level crime in 600 locations. This saw more visible police patrols, more undercover operations, more fines, more protective orders and more arrests.

"On the back of that success, this year we will launch a new Winter of Action. Forces across the country, in partnership with local businesses, will target shoplifters and antisocial behaviour during the busiest weeks for all retailers. Once again, we will reach hundreds of locations-and tackle the offending that wreaks havoc on our high streets.